With this book, all one needs to know are the fundamental rules of chess and ordinary chess notation in order to gain a thorough understanding of the all-important opening game in its many variations. Simple, clearly, and with keen appreciation of the amateur's usual limitations, International Grandmaster Znosko-Borovsky explains the importance of rapid development of the pieces, occupation of the centre, the relation of the opening to the general plan of the player, and the significance of control of the centre.

Each major opening is then detailed and analysed with the emphasis on explanation that is easy to follow. Special attention is paid to the traps.